Fall 2017
WCSA AlumNEWS
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, MORRIS LAUNCHES $21 MILLION FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN UMM’S CAMPAIGN PRIORITIES Providing scholarships and engagement opportunities for students Endowing professorships Expanding and improving facilities to support student learning, faculty research, and regional outreach Investing in the EcoStation and other initiatives supporting environmental education, research, and preservation in the region
The $21 million raised will support student experiences, faculty leaders, historic facilities, and the future of the region. The University of Minnesota, Morris is launching a $21 million fundraising campaign to distinguish itself as a model for living and learning. This campaign is part of the University of Minnesota’s largest fundraising effort to date, Driven: The University of Minnesota Campaign. According to Chancellor Michelle Behr, this campaign comes at an important moment for the campus and for American higher education. “I have seen the power of community engagement to positively impact higher education—UMM itself is the result of community collaborations,” she says. “Just as the establishment of UMM was a communal effort, so too, will this campaign present a chance for us all to come together to enable the campus to soar.” To learn more about A model for living and learning: the campaign for the University of Minnesota, Morris, please contact Chief Development Officer Susan Schmidgall at 320-589-6160 or sschmidg@morris.umn.edu.
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GREETINGS FROM ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT TOM PAYNE ’60 About 100 alums attended the 2017 reunion and annual meeting. The 2016 attendance was 140. We anticipate the amount attending will diminish as our group ages. The board asks each of you to attend any and all reunions and to encourage your classmates to do the same, because all reunions are for all classes. At our September meeting the board set Friday, July 20, for the 2018 All-School Reunion. The board believes that a Friday could and should work better for all, with so many other things that we all need to attend on weekends. Thank you to those of you who have contributed to the WCSA Alumni Association Newsletter fund. We welcome Kaitlyn McBrady as our new alumni relations coordinator. Kaitlyn has been on staff since 2010. We are grateful for all the hard work she and the Alumni Relations team do to publish the newsletter and plan reunions. Hope to see you at the winter reunions in Arizona and Texas.
INTERNS CONSERVE ENERGY—AND SAVE THOUSANDS IN THE PROCESS by Sarah Freske ’18, Starbuck Sydney Bauer ’19, Jordan, worked with the Office of Sustainability and Jan Broemmelhaus, a J-1 student intern from Ahaus, Germany, to track the campus’s electricity usage. Facilities Management staff are using the data to cut energy consumption, saving electricity and money in the process. While the majority of electricity used on campus is produced onsite by renewable sources like wind turbines and solar panels, Morris requires some external sources of energy. This generally happens when the demand for electricity spikes past the energy level that the campus can produce at a given time. Broemmelhaus created a model of the campus’s energy grid. Using this information, Bauer collected information on energy usage throughout the day to predict when spikes in energy occurred. Already, this information has improved energy savings on campus. “In the past we’ve usually had a big spike of electricity demand in the afternoon, but we didn’t know all of the factors influencing it,” says Bauer. “Our team has learned how to turn on the electric chillers in a way to reduce peaking. During my internship I installed software that will help us monitor the peak during the day.” These chillers, responsible for providing airconditioning across campus, were typically powered on when the demand for electricity was already high, creating added demand. To solve this issue, staff at the heating plant no longer turn on the electric chillers during peak electricity times, which can be more closely monitored now. The team is also exploring ways to use absorption chilling and the back-pressure steam turbine to further reduce campus peaks. 2
This work contributes to campus energy and planning efforts, which may include future investments in more solar panels. Bauer explained that one of the most important aspects of this project to her was the opportunity to build connections between different offices and groups across campus. “We’re trying to develop an overall model of how our campus uses energy,” she says. “Morris has a unique campus with lots of energy inputs, so there are opportunities to lower costs and carbon. It’s fun to be a part of the Morris team working to figure this all out.” Through the efforts of Bauer and Broemmelhaus, the staff at the heating plant, and administrative offices, the campus has saved thousands of dollars that previously would have been spent on electricity. “Morris is definitely a living and learning laboratory,” says Vice Chancellor of Finance and Facilities Bryan Herrmann. “And our amazing students are key collaborators in the experiments we are running to optimize our microgrid.”
GREETINGS FROM COORDINATOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS KAITLYN MCBRADY ’13 My warmest greetings to you all as we head into cooler months. Seems like just yesterday we were on campus celebrating another wonderful WCSA AllSchool Reunion. It was great to see and visit with so many of you that day, and I look forward to many more. I am so grateful to be the alumni relations coordinator and to work with each of you. I have big shoes to fill, but Carla left me with a great group of alumni. I started in Alumni Relations in 2010 and have fond memories of driving the golf carts my first two All-School Reunions. Carla has trained me well, and I hope to be a resource for you in the years to come. Many of you probably know Susan Schmidgall and Beverly Metzger, who together with me make up our Alumni Relations team. If we haven’t met yet, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I want to thank you for the very warm welcome I’ve received so far, and I hope to see you at one of the upcoming WCSA events—be sure to check the calendar on page six! You can call or email me anytime with questions, concerns, or just to say hello. I always enjoy visiting with alumni. I can be reached at 320-589-6396 or kmcbrady@morris.umn.edu.
CAMPUS ACCOLADES ABOUND Once again, Morris begins the academic year with a host of rankings and recognitions. The campus has recently been praised by: U.S. News and World Report Sierra Magazine Washington Monthly Money Forbes Fiske Guide to Colleges College Choice Creative Colleges The Bookmark
MICHELLE BEHR INAUGURATED AS CHANCELLOR The University of Minnesota, Morris celebrated the inauguration of Michelle Behr as its sixth chancellor on Friday, September 29. The ceremony was attended by members of the campus and greater community as well as distinguished guests and delegates from across the country. Wellwishers shared messages of hope and congratulations for Chancellor Behr; she spoke to the power of place and how it inspires the campus community.
Students celebrated the bounty of harvest at the Pride of the Prairie farmers market on campus in September.
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SUMMER 2017 ALL-SCHOOL REUNION This year’s all-school reunion brought 95 Aggies together on a beautiful Saturday in July. The group enjoyed brunch, business, and fellowship in Oyate Hall.
Andrew Brevig ’46, Verva Lamb Kristenson ’44, Les Dehlin ’46, Joyce Braaten Wille ’46
Ronald Hervey ’48 Class of ’47: Only 70 Years Out! Front Row: Ila Mae Hormann Hervey ’47, Avanelle Miller Gray ’47, Lois Hennen Johnson ’47, Violet Koosman Dilly ’47, Virene Brunkow Olson ’47, Ardelle Rohloff ’47 Back Row: Marceille Baldry Power ’47, Robert D. Klingbile ’47, Ward Lamb ’47, Omar Nelson ’47, Lester Sanderson ’47, Ruth Fischer Zimmerman ’47 Class of ’53 Wally Redfield ’53, Ronald Schoephoerster ’53, Floyd Eliason ’53, John Lampert ’53, Jennes Swenson ’53, Gaylan Evavold ’53
James Dewey ’54, Russell Erlandson ’54, Carol Dewey-Erlandson ’55
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Allen Albertson ’56, Loren Maahs ’56
Class of ’57: Celebrating 60 Years Front Row: Loryn Stelter ’57, Barbara Jorgensen Albertson ’57, Gordon Geistfeld ’57, Francis Sykora ’57, Darrell Anderson ’57 Back Row: Armand Aswege ’57, Don Kosen ’57, Jim Becker ’57
MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW FOR THE 2018 ALL-SCHOOL REUNION
JULY 20, 2018 Class of ’59 Front Row: Rita Hormann Leppanen ’59 Back Row: Dean Travland ’58, Bud Kopitski ’59, Les Bensch ’59
A Bunch of Younguns from ’60 and ’61 Front Row: LuWanna Foslien Hintermeister ’60, Sharon Gunderson Peterson ’60, Norma Miller Bradow ’60, Carol Pederson Meyer ’60, Neala Geistfeld Gunderson ’60, Ellen Schmidt Konsor ’60, Patricia Lesmeister Nelson ’61, Jerry Schuelke ’61 Back Row: Harold Peterson ’60, David Krenz ’60, Bill Raguse ’60, Tom Payne ’60, Dave Webb ’61
WCSA WINTER GATHERINGS IN WARM PLACES Whether you are a year-round resident of Texas or Arizona, a winter snowbird, or a visitor to the Southwest, you are invited to attend these West Central School of Agriculture Alumni Association warm-weather get-togethers. Arizona—February 12 The Arizona WCSA All-School Winter Reunion is planned for Monday, February 12. Gather at 10 a.m. for conversation and a noon meal at the ViewPoint RV and Golf Resort (8700 East University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85207). All are welcome. To make your reservation contact Ardean Hauschild ’53 at azdlph@gmail.com or 480-373- 1444. Please do attend if you make a reservation, as the resort charges for them. Directions: From US 60, exit on Soussaman Road, north about three miles to University; right on University; and left on Hawes Road. The resort is on Hawes Road. Texas—February 21 WCSA alumni and guests are also invited to gather for an informal winter Texan reunion on Wednesday, February 21, at 11 a.m. at Gatti’s Pizza (4100 North Second Street, McAllen, TX 78504).
Class of ’62: 55 Years Front Row: Diane Jerpseth Madsen ’62, Susan Kay Steussy Anderson ’62, Sherry Bergeland Johnson ’62, Margo Noble McIntyre ’62 Back Row: Tom Kuehne ’62, Don Lende ’62, Dick Banken ’62, Dave Larson ’62, Michael Madsen ’62, Keith Kvistero ’62, Phil Schultz ’62
No need to RSVP—just mark your calendars and join the fun! For more information call LaVonne Dupree ’59 at 701-640- 4991. 5
WCSA ALUMNI GARDEN PLANTING Located in front of the education building, the WCSA Alumni Garden is a gift to the Morris campus from the WCSA Alumni Association. The garden surrounds a memorial to WCSA students and alumni who served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Each spring alumni return to help current students plant flowers there. Above: WCSA Board members, UMM Facilities Management staff members, honorary WCSA Aggie Carla Riley ’72, and friends enjoyed planting on May 25, 2017. Left: WCSA Board President Tom Payne ’60 hard at work!
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Arizona Reunion Monday, February 12, 10 a.m. ViewPoint RV and Golf Resort (8700 East University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85207) Texas Reunion Wednesday, February 21, 11 a.m. Gatti’s Pizza (4100 North Second Street, McAllen, TX 78504) WCSA Garden Planting Thursday, May 24, 9 a.m. University of Minnesota, Morris board meeting immediately after garden planting WCSA All-School Summer Reunion Friday, July 20 University of Minnesota, Morris 6
CLASS NEWS AND “IN YOUR WORDS” WCSA alumni love reading Class News, so please send us your updates! Mail us a letter, give us a call, or send us an email about your careers, families, travels, hobbies, activities, and WCSA memories. We will include your news in the next AlumNEWS. The deadline for submission is March 1, 2018. FUNDING FOR ALUMNEWS Your donations fund AlumNEWS. Thank you to those who have given in the past—we appreciate your support! Checks to fund AlumNEWS can be made payable to the University of Minnesota, Morris and sent to the address below.
ALUMNEWS ONLINE WCSA AlumNEWS—along with WCSA photos and history—is available online at alumni. morris.umn.edu/wcsa-alumniassociation. If you would prefer to access the newsletter exclusively online, please contact us to request that your name be removed from the conventional mailing list. AlumNEWS is published by the University of Minnesota, Morris. It is available in alternative formats upon request. Class news, donations, comments, corrections, and questions may be directed to: Kaitlyn Slieter McBrady ’13 Coordinator of Alumni Relations University of Minnesota, Morris Welcome Center 600 East Fourth Street Morris, Minnesota 56267-2132 320-589-6396 kmcbrady@morris.umn.edu
In Your Words
AGGIES SHARE MEMORIES FROM THEIR DAYS AT WCSA
GILMORE SEM ’59 RECOUNTS A STORY OF YOUNG LOVE, WITH A SURPRISE AGGIE TWIST! “I have a story about [faculty member] John Ylvisaker that may be of interest. One day early in 1965, a friend and mechanical engineering classmate at the University of Minnesota asked if I wanted to accompany him to a folk music concert at his church, Riverside Presbyterian on the West Bank campus. I had nothing else to do that Saturday night, and I enjoyed folk music, so I agreed to go. An attractive young lady was selling tickets at the church door that night. She was a Minneapolis Roosevelt High School classmate of my friend and was also in his Riverside confirmation class. About 13 months later, on April 2, 1966, that young lady and I got married at that church. She must have been the right one; we celebrated our 51st anniversary this spring. John Ylvisaker changed my life dramatically. I wish I knew about his connection to WCSA that night in 1965.”
Ylvisaker’s faculty photo from the 1960 Moccasin
HONORARY AGGIE CARLA RILEY ’72 LOOKS BACK ON YEARS SPENT WITH WCSA ALUMNI: “Where to begin? I loved it when Darwin Danielson ’63 drove the very same black Ford Fairlane to a summer reunion that he had driven to school as a student. And equally fun was when Bob ’55 and Ruby Sivertson Torkelson ’56 drove their fully restored 1955 peach Chevrolet to another summer reunion. Both cars drew many admirers and evoked fond memories. And who could forget Richard Sivertson ’55, aka Tennessee Ernie Fjord, entertaining us with his delightful humor in Edson Auditorium, or when Reverend Lowell Lundstrom ’54 and family performed for us during yet another summer reunion? The winter reunions emceed masterfully by Ted Storck ’54 every February in Arizona provided a fun opportunity to reconnect in a warmer and sunnier place. These are but a few names and memories I could share, but let me close with this: It was during one of the first alumni garden planting days I was to oversee in my then-new role as alumni director. Aggie volunteers were busy planting the flowers that had been lovingly grown for the garden by LaVay Schmock Borresen ’59 when a very loud siren sounded. It was a very hot and humid day in May, conducive to wicked weather events. We all noted the siren and wondered what we should do in response to it. Just then the campus police arrived telling us to take shelter as a tornado had been spotted near Donnelly, a mere seven or eight miles away. Plenty of time, some said, and I wondered, ‘For what?’ Well, we did eventually move to the basement of Music Hall, but not until the last couple of flats had been planted! Luckily, the tornado did not materialize over us, and I thought to myself as we were enjoying the delicious rhubarb dessert provided by Carol Pederson Meyer ’60, ‘now that’s one dedicated and determined bunch.’ I am thrilled to now be an honorary member of this sturdy and brave group!” 7
CLASS NOTES Ned E. Dickey ’43 writes: “Spend most of the year in Rio Verde, Arizona. Would enjoy swapping memories with classmates. Phone: 480-471-0182 Cell: 815298-7303 or NEDICKEY@AOL.com. Most of my working years were spent in Rockford, Illinois. Raised three sons, and they have provided seven grandkids and 13 great-grandchildren, and most of them live in Illinois or Wisconsin. My first wife passed in 2009. I since remarried, and she brought five children, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren into the family. Most of whom live west of the Rockies. WE TRAVEL A LOT.” Wendell C. Shiell ’46 writes: “This April we were blessed with our seventh great-grandson. We also have four great-granddaughters. We are doing well and planning a trip to the North Shore of Lake Superior in September. Five of our six children live close to us, so we are happy to have moved from Sun City, Arizona back to Minnesota.” Nona Marshall Eschbach ’47 writes: “Around the world in 36 days! For our 65th anniversary: fly Seattle to London, with stops in Rome; Sicily; Suez Canal; Jordan; Dubai; west coast of India; Phuket, Thailand; and Singapore. Fly Singapore to Seattle with stop in
Tokyo. Was surprised the world seemed so clean and peaceful. Our oldest son, Steve, was escort and wonderful companion. We hadn’t seen much of him since he graduated U of W ’75.” Nona worked at WCSA as a school nurse from 1950–52 and holds many good memories. Arloa Larson ’48 writes: “Hi from Litchfield. I am still kicking and enjoy getting the WCSA AlumNEWS. I cannot think of any boo-boos when I was at WCSA. I do remember a girl being asked to leave the campus forever. It was a sad event for her, the student body, and the staff. That is not very exciting. I also remember WCSA girls smoking in the attic, and they were also released. The boys in Senior Dorm had a smoker in their attic.” Lyle “Pete” Peterson ’60 writes: “I am a retired Lutheran pastor. I served congregations in Oregon, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Southern California as well as serving as an assistant to the bishop and CEO/ President of Lutheran Social Services of Southern California before retiring in 2007. My wife, Barbara, and I spend summers at our home on Eagle Lake and winter at our home on a golf course in Sun City, Arizona. Kind of the best of both worlds! Greetings to all our classmates and WCSA friends.”
A WINTER ADVENTURE, TOLD BY LES BENSCH ’59 Last March Dick Johnson ’59 and I headed out on an adventure trip to Cuba. Dick and I have been good friends since graduation from WCSA. We have been on many memorable trips together, and this one started out at International Falls, where Dick lives. We crossed into Canada and headed to Thunder Bay, where we caught a direct flight to Cuba. It was cold when we left and beautiful when we arrived after a three-and-a-halfhour flight. We took a short bus ride to our resort, The Barlovento. We soon discovered we were the only two Americans at the resort. There were numerous restaurants of different types of cuisine, live entertainment in the evening, and a wonderful white sand ocean beach. The most popular place was the pub located in the center of the resort surrounded by the many beautiful pools. Dick and I soon learned we were “celebrities” holding court each evening at the bar. We met great people from all over the world and had many conversations that covered every topic imaginable. The conversations were always polite and spirited. The cars in Cuba were a sight to be seen. 1950’s primarily: ’56, ’57 Chevys, Fords, and Plymouths. Great looking bodies, but completely rebuilt from the engine to the running gear. All in all, we loved Cuba and the culture, food, and friendly people. I think we were good ambassadors. On the way back, Customs in Canada and the USA looked suspicious of these two old guys traveling on an education research mission. Of course, we brought back some of the world-famous Cuban cigars. It was a great adventure, and we are both planning on a return trip. Dick’s final comment when I left for home was, “I wouldn’t change a thing about the trip.” It is great to have a good lifetime friend.
FONDLY REMEMBERED Howard Olson ’37, Barrett, passed away in March 2017. Howard was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He served on the church council, the Cyrus School Board, and the Framnas County Township Board, acting as the treasurer for several years. He liked watching sports, and he enjoyed gardening, playing cards, visiting with the family and neighbors, and drinking a good cup of coffee. Howard celebrated his 100th birthday in February. He is survived by two children, two grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Geraldine “Gerry” Leola Winter ’38 passed away in August 2013. She was born in Currie and was an active member of various groups in her community, such as Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Davison Senior Citizen’s Group, and Red Cross Volunteer Group. Gerry dearly enjoyed playing cards, crocheting afghans, and watching her favorite baseball team, the Detroit Tigers. She is survived by four children, 15 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. Roy L. Thompson ’44, Roseville, passed away in February 2017. He grew up on a farm near Kensington, attended WSCA and the University of Minnesota, and earned his PhD from Penn State. He later served as an agronomist with the University of Minnesota. He was an active member in FarmHouse Fraternity, the North Central Experiment Station Directors Association, and the American Society of Agronomy. He was also a past president of Roseville Lutheran Church. Roy enjoyed hunting, photography, birdwatching, woodworking, sports, and piloting airplanes. He is survived by three children and four grandchildren. LuVerne Norby ’46, Benson, passed away in February 2017. Luverne was active in the church, serving in various offices and committees, and helped start the ag program in the Benson schools. He is survived by his wife, Arlene, with whom he enjoyed 68 years of marriage, as well as eight children, 17 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Dorothy Galke Bratton ’49 passed away peacefully in June 2017 after a lengthy illness. She resided with her wonderful daughter, Cindy, a hospice nurse who took care of her during her final days in Douglas, Arizona. She was a sister to Les Bensch ’59.
Vernon “Jack” Montonye ’47 passed away in January 2017. Jack was born in Graceville and was baptized into the Catholic faith at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. He attended country school before graduating from WCSA. He went on to work for Cargill Inc. as an elevator manager for 35 years. Jack enjoyed hunting, trapping, and fishing, and he had a great love for his dogs. After retirement, he loved flowers and hunting and fishing with his children. He is survived by nine children, 15 grandchildren, and four greatgrandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. Betty Paul Little ’47 passed away in January 2017. She was born in Dixon, Iowa, and had lived in Escalon, California, for the past 17 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Palmer, and is survived by two children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Donald Erickson ’48, Morris, passed away in August 2017. He was born in Morris and was baptized and confirmed at Reque Lutheran Church in Alberta. He served in the U.S. Army as a medic for two years before he moved back home to make a living farming. Don enjoyed square dancing and traveling with his wife and spending quality time with his family. He is survived by his wife, four children, 13 grandchildren, 19 greatgrandchildren, one brother, and one sister. Donald Forcier ’48, Dumont, passed away in December 2016. After graduating from WCSA, Don joined the U.S. Navy and worked as an aviation electrician until his honorable discharge in 1954. He then started farming and also worked as a telephone technician for various telephone companies in Wheaton. He retired from Verizon in 1992. Don enjoyed music, hunting, the outdoors, family and friends, and traveling roads less traveled. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, two grandchildren, one sister, and two brothers. Lloyd Darrell Nigg ’49, Alexandria, passed away in June 2017. He was born in Peever, South Dakota, and spent his working life as a counselor at Central Junior High in central Minnesota. After retiring he spent winters in Arizona, enjoying horseback riding and being with his family. Lloyd is survived by four children, one sister, one brother, two sisters-in-law, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. 9
Chester Larson ’51, Donnelly, passed away in January 2017. He grew up in Donnelly Township, helped on the family farm, and attended school in Alberta. He was baptized and confirmed at the Kongsvinger Lutheran Church near Donnelly and remained active with the church through the choir, the men’s quartet, and a variety of other positions. He cherished time spent with his family, and he enjoyed attending band and choir concerts, including barbershop. He married his favorite roller-skating partner, Gloria, and is survived by her, three children, two sisters, five grandchildren and step-grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Victor Karrow ’55, Alexandria, passed away in March 2017. He was born in Mountain Lake and was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Victor attended country school by Hoffman and then the WCSA. He served in the U.S. Army with the Field Artillery and was stationed in Korea. He enjoyed horses and trail rides and was involved with Grant County Wagon Train for many years. He is survived by two children and four grandchildren. Daryl Carl Leininger ’56, Wheaton, passed away in May 2017. He was born in Wheaton and was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Daryl was raised and went to school in Walls Township until he attended WCSA. After graduation he joined the U.S. Army Reserves and served until he was honorably discharged due to a farming accident. Daryl was an active member of his community, serving on the Walls Township board for 30 years, the Traverse County Township Association, and the Traverse Co-Op Board. He attended Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. He is survived by his wife, three children, eight grandchildren, two sisters, one brother, one sister-inlaw, and many nieces and nephews. Beverly A. Nygaard Worshek ’56, Fairmont, passed away in August 2017. She was born in Underwood and was part of her local Lutheran church. Beverly was an active leader and member of her community through various organizations such as the Boy and Girl Scouts, the Red Cross, and the Minnesota Jaycees. She enjoyed attending to her garden and spending quality time with her family. She is survived by four children, seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, seven step-children, 12 step-grandchildren, 20 step-greatgrandchildren, one brother, and two brothers-in-law. 10
Eugene “Gene” D. Payne ’58, Alexandria, passed away in August 2017. He was born in Benson and was baptized and confirmed at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in De Graff. Gene was a farmer and actively involved in various farming-related groups, along with the Grace Township Board. After retiring from farming, he pursued his passion for flying by obtaining his private pilot’s license. He is survived by three children and brothers Doug ’54 and Tom Payne ’60. Thomas Michael Dailey ’61, Saint Paul, passed away unexpectedly in September 2015. Tom attended WCSA from 1957 to 1960, when his family moved to Illinois. He graduated from Jacksonville High School (Illinois), Syracuse University, and Syracuse College of Law, and he proudly served in the U.S. Air Force. He enjoyed a long career as an attorney in Saint Paul. Tom was preceded in death by parents Donald and Irene and brothers Denis and John. He is survived by daughters Perrine and Margot Dailey, sons Brian and Nicholas Dailey-Arndt, brother Larry, and sisters Mary Wedgewood and Kathleen Fish as well as numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends. Tom will be remembered for love of his children, creative and prolific writing, poetry, and his unique humor, which his WCSA classmates still vividly remember. Judith Ann Zimmerman ’61, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, passed away unexpectedly in December 2016. Judi was born to Walter and Antonia Fischer Zimmerman on February 27, 1943, in Graceville. She grew up the youngest of eight children and attended WCSA from 1957 to 1961. She graduated from Graceville High School. After graduation Judi worked as an administrative secretary for Cargill in Minneapolis. On May 23, 1975, she married Kenneth Gregory and moved to Florida soon thereafter. After her husband’s death she continued to make her home in Fort Lauderdale; she worked for John U. Lloyd Beach State Park as a secretary until her retirement in 2010. Judi is survived by her only living sibling, Bernice Zimmerman Madsen of Graceville, along with many nieces, nephews, and longtime friends. Judi was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, four sisters, and two brothers. Judi will be remembered for her love of music, as it shined through her singing and piano and organ playing. She sang in the WCSA Chorus and took piano lessons from Helen Swan while she was at WCSA.
Charles S. “Chuck” Harris ’62, Sauk Centre, passed away in July 2017. Chuck was born in Marshall and was a part of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church. He attended the WCSA and Saint Cloud State University, majoring in psychology. He was a devout member of the Minnesota Street Rod Association and Rock City Rods, where his passion for classic cars flourished. He also enjoyed collecting antiques and restoring old houses. Chuck is survived by his wife, two sisters, two step children, two step-granddaughters, sister-in-law, two nieces, and two nephews. Faculty/Staff John Carl Ylvisaker passed away in March 2017. He was choir director in Morris before pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Minnesota. He traveled extensively as part of the civil rights movement and was heavily influenced by Pete Seeger during those years. He spent 15 years working for the American Lutheran Church in Minneapolis and became the “composer in residence” for their projects, helping produce the award-winning radio show SCAN. John crisscrossed the country to lead music at churches, conferences, retreats, and conventions, including National Youth Gatherings for which he wrote the theme songs for four decades. He is survived by his wife, five children and stepchildren, two sisters, and grandchildren.
WCSA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Thomas Payne ’60, president 4564 368th Avenue Montevideo, MN 56265-6436 320-841-0318 Keith Kvistero ’62, vice president 13035 Highway 40 Northwest Milan, MN 56262-2408 320-734-4659 Michael Madsen ’62, treasurer 2042 Palisades Lane Watertown, SD 57201-9400 605-753-1645 Patricia Lesmeister Nelson ’61, secretary 1000 Park Avenue Morris, MN 56267-1859 320-585-1935 LuWanna Foslien Hintermeister ’60 3234 Prairie Road NE Carlos, MN 56319-8106 320-852-7115 Sherry Bergeland Johnson ’62 27 East Oaks Road North Oaks, MN 55127-2527 612-709-9099 Loren Maahs ’56 23399 Highland Drive Fergus Falls, MN 56537-8170 218-739-3530 Diane Jerpseth Madsen ’62 2042 Palisades Lane Watertown, SD 57201-9400 605-753-1645 Kenwood Rund ’60 33103 160th Street Battle Lake, MN 56515-9508 320-241-4603 Legislative Interface and Fund Raising Committee
The caption under this photo from the 1954 Moccasin reads, “The six-horse team from the West Central School of Agriculture driven by the farm foreman, Oscar Beckstrom. The occasion is the parade held during the celebration in 1947 of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the founding of Morris, Minnesota.” A short article with the photo notes that the school no longer used horses for farm work and that “The mechanical age takes over where the horse left off.”
Les Bensch ’59, chair 36209 County Highway 126 Ashby, MN 56309 218-747-2121 Alumni Garden Committee
Carol Pederson Meyer ’60, chair 508 Irving Street Alexandria, MN 56308 320-763-5814
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Behmler Hall (Dining Hall) is lovely as ever, especially in the autumn sun. 12
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